KeyCorp's KeyBank Extends Arena Naming Rights with Buffalo Sabres, Strengthening Community Commitment
- KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres extend arena naming rights for another 10 years, reinforcing community commitment until 2036.
- KeyBank will enhance visibility as the team's away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season.
- KeyBank's HocKey Assists Community Program focuses on education, small business growth, and neighborhood engagement in Western New York.
KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres Extend Arena Naming Rights, Reinforcing Community Commitment
In a significant development, KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres announce a 10-year extension of their arena naming rights deal, ensuring that the KeyBank Center will retain its name until the end of the 2035-36 season. This new agreement, which will begin in the 2026-27 season, marks a continuation of a partnership that commenced in 2015, underscoring the deep-rooted commitment both organizations share towards the Western New York community. The extension signifies not just a branding opportunity but also a collaborative effort to enhance community engagement and support.
Terry Pegula, the owner, CEO, and president of the Sabres, expresses his appreciation for KeyBank's decade-long support, highlighting the importance of their partnership in creating meaningful community impact. Both Pegula and Chris Gorman, KeyCorp Chairman and CEO, emphasize that this extended relationship is more than just a financial agreement; it represents a shared vision for the future of Buffalo. Gorman notes that the partnership is an investment in the community, aligning with both organizations' objectives to foster growth and development in the region.
As part of the extended partnership, KeyBank will enhance its visibility by serving as the team's away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season. Furthermore, the launch of the HocKey Assists Community Program aims to inspire pride and possibility within Western New York. This initiative focuses on various pillars such as education, small business growth, and neighborhood engagement, empowering youth and supporting local entrepreneurs. Through these impactful programs, KeyBank and the Sabres aspire to create a lasting difference in the community, reinforcing their dedication to the residents of Buffalo.
In addition to the naming rights extension, the partnership between KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres reflects a broader trend among corporations increasingly recognizing the value of community-oriented initiatives. By committing to long-term agreements and community programs, organizations like KeyBank are not only enhancing their brand presence but also contributing to the social fabric of the regions they serve. This collaboration serves as a model for how corporate partnerships can effectively support and uplift local communities.
The partnership's focus on education and small business development, particularly through the HocKey Assists Community Program, positions both KeyBank and the Sabres as vital stakeholders in the sustainable growth of Western New York. By fostering community togetherness, they aim to ensure a positive and prosperous future for Buffalo and its residents.